Memorial services were Wed., Aug. 23, at St. Catherine's Church in Farming Twp., Stearns County, for Douglas James Spanier, age 54 of Clear Lake. He died peacefully with his family at his side at his home on August 19, 2017. Pastor Rob Olsen of Becker Baptist Church officiated. Burial was in the St. Catherine Parish Cemetery in Farming. Visitation was prior to the services at the church. A celebration of life was held Tues., Aug. 22 at the Clearwater American Legion in Clearwater.

 

Doug was born on February 3, 1963 in St. Cloud, MN, the son of Robert and Mary Ann (Peters) Spanier. They later moved to Montevideo where he attended grade school. June 17, 1977 Doug and his family were involved in a car accident that took his parents and five siblings. After the accident he went to live with his aunt and uncle, Orville and Jeanette Spanier and family in Farming. He later graduated from Albany High School in 1981 and then attended vocational technical school in Alexandria. 

 

October 9, 2008, Doug married the love of his life Faith VanPelt. In his earlier years, Doug enjoyed building and racing in the Monster Truck circuit with "Master of Disaster" and "Bearly Tame" which is still being seen on YouTube. Doug was an owne/operator driving over-the-road for years. After retiring in January 2015 due to health issues, he enjoyed his Harley and just riding with Faith, camping, and traveling. He also loved spending time with his three sons and his grandchildren.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his five siblings, Laura, Julie, Scott, Robert Jr., and Tracy.

 

He is survived by his wife, Faith of Clear Lake; three sons, Scott (Julie) of St. Cloud, Christopher and Justin of the Twin Cities; three grandchildren, Skyler, Abriana and Adlee; his Aunt and Uncle that helped raise him, Orville and Jeanette Spanier of Farming, and their family, Jeff (Sheila), Margie (Mike) Gretsch, Carol (Pat) Moriarty, Randy (Lanette); other relatives and many friends.